RV Camping Acadia National Park Like A Pro
The sixth most visited national park in the US is not on the West Coast or in the mountains of the midwest. Acadia National Park in Maine is visited by approximately 1.4 million people each year. The easternmost national park is the US is filled with classic New England scenery, from pine covered mountains and shimmering lakes to Maine’s iconic rocky coasts.
Alongside popular townie destination Bar Harbor, there’s something for everyone in Acadia National Park. Throughout the islands that make up the park are scattered cafes, restaurants, lighthouses, and charming coastal towns filled to the brim with character. And this is not to mention the amazing mountain hikes, either.
RV camping Acadia National Park is the best way to experience all that the park has to offer, and thankfully there are more than enough campgrounds to accommodate the area’s enormous influx of visitors.
Below is our complete guide to RV camping Acadia National Park, plus things to do and helpful tips to make your visit one that you’ll never forget.
Things To Do In Acadia National Park
Cadillac Mountain
The highest peak of the North Atlantic seaboard rests atop the summit of Cadillac Mountain. The first spot in the US that greets the morning sun each day, Cadillac Mountain is the ultimate hike in Acadia National Park. The trek itself is 7.5 miles round trip and not recommended for those of us that might be a bit out of shape. Otherwise, drive up Park Loop Road for 3.5 miles to reach the summit. From there, enjoy a less strenuous hiking loop by the peak.
There are numerous observation points to pull off from Summit Road, so rest assured that there’s no sacrifice in driving to the summit rather than walking.
Thunder Hole
One of the most popular sights in Acadia National Park belongs to the aptly named Thunder Hole. Along the southeastern coast of Mount Desert Island, a stretch of shoreline that consists of grand boulders as far as the eye can see is well worth a visit on its own. However, what makes this craggy area so special is a natural occurrence of the Atlantic tide sweeping in against a particular rock crevice jutting out into the water.
When the waves strike against the crevice, water shoots up stories high into the air. The sound from the crashing waves against the rock is a mighty clap akin to thunder.
A stairway through the rocks can bring you right alongside the action, but be warned— you will get wet!
Bar Harbor
A visit to Acadia National Park would be incomplete without stopping by Bar Harbor. The main hub on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is a picturesque Maine town straight out of a novel. Overlooking Frenchman Bay, the streets of Bar Harbor are lined with restaurants and cafes, art galleries and tourist shops, and plenty of authentic Mainer charm. As your best bet in the park for grabbing a slice of Maine’s famous blueberry pies, Bar Harbor is refreshingly quaint and a great way to infuse a little New England culture into your nature retreat.
Jordan Pond
One of the more popular bodies of water within Acadia National Park is the tarn of Jordan Pond. The base of what was once a glacier, Jordan Pond consists of shimmering water that’s crystal clear in some places, set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop. Around the pond is a three mile hiking loop, as well as trails that extend up into the mountains. For a particularly good view of the pond and everything around it, take the trail that leads to Bubble Rock Overlook.
Near the tarn is the Jordan Pond House Restaurant. A popular establishment in the area, the restaurant features outdoor seating in a grassy meadow overlooking the pond. Whether it’s for a quick snack or a full lunch, be sure to stop by the Pond House on your visit for good food and an unbeatable view.
Sand Beach
The golden sand shoreline of Sand Beach is a small slice of paradise in Acadia. Although it’s not a large beach, the pristine shore and turquoise blue waters draw many visitors each day during high season. Expect to share the space while you visit. Surrounded on both sides by lush green pine trees and with gentler waves than Maine is typically known for, it’s no wonder that Sand Beach is a heavily frequented spot.
That being said, the water temperatures even during the hottest parts of summer in Maine might be a shock for anyone outside of New England. At only around 55° in July and August, if you plan on swimming, don’t be surprised by the cold.
RV Campgrounds In Acadia National Park
There are four public campgrounds scattered throughout the park, and each has its own charm and advantages.
Blackwoods Campground
One of the most popular campgrounds in Acadia is Blackwoods Campground, five miles south of Bar Harbor. The grounds themselves are set in the densely wooded area of Mount Desert Island’s eastern side. If you’re looking to stay near hiking spots and the coast, the ocean is only 10 minutes away on foot.
The campgrounds are equipped with flushing toilets, running water, a dump station, and fire rings for the campsites. Free shuttle services stop by the campgrounds daily from June to mid-October. Reservations are available two months in advance.
Schoodic Woods Campground
The only public campground available on the mainland portion of the park, Schoodic Woods Campground is located approximately 1.5 miles southeast of Winter Harbor. The newest campground of the public campgrounds, the campsites are in close proximity to a number of popular hiking loops.
Seawall Campground
On the western side of Mount Desert Island, Seawall Campground is within walking distance to the ocean, as its name suggests. The campgrounds feature grills and fire rings, a seasonal amphitheater, and flushing toilets.
Near Seawall Campground is the popular Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound restaurant. During your visit, be sure to stop in for classic lobster rolls and a slice of dreamy blueberry pie.
Duck Harbor Campground
The remote Isle au Haut is only accessible from the mainland by a mailboat ferry; cars are prohibited on the island. At Duck Harbor Campground, there are five 8×12 lean-to shelters that can accommodate tents, with fire rings, a picnic table, and composting toilets nearby. Pets are prohibited from the campsites, and firewood must be collected from dead or downed wood near the campsite to keep invasive insects from spreading.
Although Duck Harbor Campground isn’t an RV campground, the beautiful, rugged scenery and solitude of the Isle au Haut is well worth an overnight trip from the mainland if you’re able to swing it.
Private RV Campgrounds in Acadia National Park
In addition to the public campgrounds, there are a few private campgrounds at Acadia National Park. These feature higher end amenities, like pools, laundry/shower facilities, Internet connectivity, and camp stores. The following are our picks for the best private campgrounds in Acadia National Park:
Top 4 Tips For RV Camping Acadia National Park
Don’t go boondocking
Dry camping or off road camping is explicitly prohibited at Acadia National Park. But with such lovely campgrounds, both public and private, who would want to risk it anyway?
(Seriously. Don’t do it.)
Avoid crowds in September
High season for Acadia National Park is from May to October, but the majority of visitors are concentrated in June, July, and August. September in Maine is typically just as beautiful and fair weathered as in August. But what’s more, September sees a fraction of the crowds. If you’re bummed about not being able to go boondocking for the privacy component, opt for a September trip. After Labor Day weekend, you’ll have much more of the island to yourself.
Buy local firewood
Firewood brought into Acadia National Park must be bought within a 50 mile radius; plus, it’s always beneficial to support local businesses. You can always collect firewood from the natural resources around your campsite as well for an authentic camping experience.
Dress in layers
Maine, the most of any of its neighbors, has classic “New England” weather. This is to say that mornings may start off cold only for afternoons to reach high 70s. Then back down again into the 50s at night. Although it may sound common sense to dress in layers while camping, in New England that caveat is particularly meaningful.
Be sure to pack an array of clothing for your visit to the park. If you’re going out for a hike in the morning and won’t return until evening, bring a backpack and dress in layers to keep from overheating when the temperature shifts.
Maine is known for its windy coasts. A good windbreaker will come in handy to keep warm against the breeze if you’re by the ocean.
Thinking about RV camping at Acadia National Park this year? Be sure to let RVnGO make things easier for you with the #1 person-to-person RV rental platform.